Looking Forward

I’ve recently been trying to get my blogging mojo back.  There’s a book in me somewhere.  I have a vague idea about what direction it might take, but the actual story?  I’m waiting for that.  I am obviously not having a problem with writer’s block…that isn’t why it hasn’t taken on a life of its own just yet.  I just feel strongly that I’m not quite where I need to be to write the Story that is simmering at the edge of my self consciousness. 

I’ve thought about the form it might take.  Would it address my weight loss journey, my spiritual or emotional journey, my ability to deal with difficulties using humor, my adventures as a mother raising a son with multiple special needs?  Would it be about my successes, my failures and what I’ve learned from both?  Maybe it will be about the complexities I faced in my marriage and my sometimes patient, oftentimes not so patient search for the individual I know God has placed in my future to be discovered in His time and according to His plan for my life?

A good friend of mine read yesterday’s post at my request.  I asked him to because I value his insight and honesty and something was urging me to request his guidance…the mirror he holds up for me when I need it regardless of whether I want to look or not.  Here was his take:

Hey Lady…That is your journey!  Ain’t nothing wrong with autobiography!!!  Let me challenge you from a different perspective.

In the Bible, Lot’s wife was gripped by the past and died looking back…

Israel remained in the wilderness wandering for 40 years grumbling and complaining against God’s leadership…Him taking them a way and to a place they had never been before…Joshua 3.  They were fixed on what they had in Egypt…The onions and leeks and garlic!  Now they were in a position where they had to believe God for provision and direction!  He led them with a clod by day and fire by night.  Not rational right???  Would work our nerves, but he revealed himself according to their experiences…That’s how we got all these different names for God…Adonai, Elohim, Jehovah, Jireh, etc.

I sais ALLLL that to say this:

Consider writing about the uncharted, obscure and unpredictable future!!!  Frame your future with your words and scripture!!!  Thank God for the past!!!  It’s made you who you are.  However, study and application of the scripture, meditation and confession will make you who you are yet to become!

Try it…Much more difficult to write along these lines.  Will conjure emotions, but I guarantee, you will find it liberating and will liberate others in the obscurity called our future!!!

Did he lay the spiritual smackdown on me or what?  I’m still processing his words, studying these stories and trying to wrap my brain around what my writing will look like when I challenge myself to do as he’s advised.

Something tells me whatever I have in me to write about won’t be about any ONE thing.  It won’t be reflective entirely because while it is important to understand one’s past in order to craft a future without repeating old patterns, old mistakes…I know that as long as I’m looking over my shoulder, I can’t focus on what’s ahead of me…what God has in store for me. 

I read in another blog yesterday someone who pointed out the fact that there is good reason our vehicles have a huge front window and a small rear-view mirror…because what is ahead of us is so much more important than what lies behind.  God is definitely sending me a message lol.

Here’s to looking ahead with excitement, joy and anticipation solid in the knowledge that He can dream bigger and imagine a future that will blow away anything I might dream or imagine for myself.

 I probably won't be ending all my posts with a scriptural reference, but this seems appropriate.  It has kind of become my own personal mantra in recent years and continues to comfort me, give me hope and direct my steps forward when the way looks unclear:

 Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 

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